Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) has conserved and opened to the public a 287 acre preserve on the Narraguagus River. DSF welcomes the community to hunt, fish, paddle, hike, or just relax along the 3.3 miles of river and stream in the new MacHatton Brook Preserve.  

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The MacHatton Brook Preserve wouldn’t be here for the public without the generosity of the former owners, and the invaluable help of Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT). The preserve is part of DSF’s three-year campaign to protect 35 miles of river in Washington and Hancock Counties as well as MCHT’s Schoodic to Schoodic Initiative.

 

As part of DSF’s long-term work to conserve wild Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish and their habitats, this stretch of river will remain semi-wild and open to the community in perpetuity. This property will be a cornerstone of DSF’s efforts to restore fish numbers, return fish into the cultural life of the community, and support a sustainable natural resource-based economy. DSF is conserving the Downeasts’ rivers so that parents can take their children fishing for big salmon like their grandparents and great-grand parents before them.

 

While MacHatton Brook Preserve is in wonderful condition, DSF will be doing quite a lot of work there over the coming year. We will be improving an area where a road crossed a wetland, as well as adding trails, parking, a primitive campsite and a hand carry canoe launch on the property. DSF invites the community who love the Narraguagus to help us preserve, protect, and share this beautiful spot by becoming DSF members, making stewardship contributions and becoming volunteers.”

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State law requires fire permits for all open fires (including in campsite fire rings). Campfires may be banned during dry periods. Contact the Maine Forest Service for a permit at (207) 827-1800.

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DIRECTIONS:

From the Downeast Salmon Federation Office at 187 Main St. in Columbia Falls, Maine, head west on Main St, towards Tibbettstown Rd.  Tibbettstown road will be the first road on your right.  Tibbettstown road will intersect with US-1 – turn left onto US-1.  Follow US- 1 for 11 miles, through Harrington, and into Cherryfield. 

 

Once into Cherryfield, turn right onto ME-193 and continue north for approximately 17 miles.  Turn left on Lane Rd. and follow it for 7.6 miles until the road Ys.  Take the left hand Y on to Patten Rd. Travel south 3 miles then turn left on an unmarked road.  Travel 1.1 miles in a generally eastern direction until you come to a T.  Turn left, heading north, the property begins at the end of this road in .4 miles.

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